opera and concerts in london and beyond

23 October 2010

Listen mit Intermezzo

Tonight I'll be at the premiere of Martin Kusej's new Rusalka in Munich.

And you can be there too! Sorta. The local radio station, BR-Klassik, is broadcasting the whole thing live. It starts at 7pm CET (6pm UK), with half an hour's chat (in German) beforehand. Use the 'Live hören' button in the top right hand corner of the home page to listen.

It's conducted by Tomas Hanus and the cast includes Kristine Opolais as Rusalka and Klaus Florian Vogt as the Prince.

How about Rusalka set in Jamaica with the Prince in dredlocks with a big spliff hanging from his lips... the whole fairy tale is his stoned dream.... get it! Hey, that's brilliant, man. Dig me! Go Kusej!

Wasn't it a similar reason she gave for pulling out of the RO Boccanegra - when we got Harteros instead - a couple of seasons ago? I wonder if this is a new legalistic ploy to avoid contract-breaking sanctions. At least Karita gave the RO almost a year's notice that she's nixing Tosca from her rep. I hope Ms Stemme has finally learnt Fidelio before she comes to sing it in London.